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(Zexion's P.O.V)

I glided through the halls towards the library after breakfast, thinking of looking up the history of this world.

My mind slid back to the little display that I'd seen this morning. A frown slipped across my face as the memory of that little kiss I'd seen Demyx give Xigbar crept up on me again. I don't know why it bothered me so much. It shouldn't have. We don't have emotions so how can they even feel for each other if that's the case? I mean, we don't have hearts so…

Snapping myself out of my train of thought, I realized that I'd just walked past the library doors. I quickly spun and walked through them, making my face as carefully schooled as before.

Casting a spell for a 'Hogwarts' search, I sat at a table and began reading as books began flying towards me.

3 hours later, I was brought back out of my reading by a tap on the shoulder. Looking up, I noticed it was Luxord. "Watcha doing?"

"Looking up 'Hogwarts' history…and possibly some of the history about this world. I'm hoping to get a clue about why we can't portal anywhere or leave."

"…fair enough. I'm bored as it is. Need a hand?"

I shook my head. "No thanks. Maybe go and see if the teachers want to play a game of poker with you or something."

"Good Idea! I hadn't thought of that." He said with a grin and bounced away. I shook my head and went back to my reading.

6 hours later, I put down the last book and sighed. Nothing still. Looking at the time, I realized that it was past dinner time. Nearly lights out. I stood up and walked out of the library and down to the kitchens by following my nose. Surely they'd let me get an apple or something.

I walked in and stopped in mid step. My eyes widened in shock as I stared at the scene in front of me.

Little…elf like people were running about the kitchen wearing nothing but rags. One of them began racing towards me. "Hello!" it announced in a squeaky voice. "What can I get you?"

I stood motionless and blinking for a few moments before the shock passed and I opened my mouth. "Um…sorry about that…" I muttered and the elf looked at me quizzically.

"No need for Master to say sorry!" it squeaked again. I blinked.

"Right…um…can I get an apple or something to eat please?"

"…Alright? Was dinner not to master's liking?!" It squeaked again, this time in panic as it rushed to get a ripe apple. I noticed a few other elves stop and begin muttering in a panic.

"No…" I began as it came back with the apple washed and polished to perfection before handing it to me.

"What was wrong?! What can we do to change it?" another elf asked as it ran to me. This one was female I noticed, and obviously one of the chef's by the way she was dressed.

"Nothing…" I murmured and sat down at the table that they led me too. A few more elves hovering around now.

"Then…why do you come ask for an apple?" The first elf asked, looking confused.

I sighed. They sure liked questions. "I missed dinner. That's all. I was researching."

Their eyes widened and one of them began shrieking at the others to get some of the leftover food onto a place. I protested as the apple was plucked out of my hands and they began rushing around.

"Wai-" I started as a plate of food was being carried quickly towards me. It was placed on the table by another elf and I stared at it. There were bits and pieces of everything.

"Eat!" the elf that placed the food in front of me squeaked. I carefully picked up the fork and took a bite of a pastry that was sitting on the plate.

"This is delicious!" I exclaimed and took another bite. They all sighed in relief and went back to their work.

The first elf stayed and I looked at him. "If master needs anything, master only needs to ask!" it squeaked happily.

I blinked and looked down. "I could do with a cup of tea." I stated and its brow furrowed.

"Tea…sir?"

I blinked and stared at the elf in shock. "…you don't know what tea is?"

"Um…no sir…we don't stock it here."

"Oh…" I sighed and pulled out my Lexicon. The elf squeaked as it appeared out of nowhere. I paid it no mind thought and opened it. Going to the page where I kept my own teas, I pulled a tin out and handed it to the elf. It looked at me confused. "Put a small amount of the herbs into a strainer and pour boiling water over it till the cup is nearly full and then put milk in. I'm assuming you have milk?"

"Yes sir!" it squeaked and scurried away. I closed my Lexicon and placed it beside me. Picking up the fork again, I began eating and watching the scene around me.

A few minutes later the elf returned with my tin and a cup of tea. It placed the cup on the table in front of me and handed me the tin. "I hope it is to Masters liking!" It squeaked and waited expectantly.

I put the tin on the table and picked up the cup. Sipping it, I nearly hummed in pleasure. Smiling at the elf, I nodded. "Its perfect, thank you."

"Master is welcome!" It chirped and scurried away to get back to its chores.

I put the tin away again and dismissed my Lexicon. I picked up my fork yet again and began eating; taking sips of tea every now and again.

Half an hour later, I finished and stood up. Another elf came rushing towards me and cautiously took my plate and cup. I smiled at it and left with a thank you. I scurried off and I stepped out of the kitchen. I yawned and blinked. Time to turn in for the night.

I walked up to my room and stepped in, blinking in surprise when I saw Dumbledore sitting at my desk reading. He looked up and smiled. "Ah, Zexion! I was wondering where you are. I trust you found the kitchen easily enough?"

"…Yes thank you…"

"That's good. How was your day? Find anything interesting?"

"…Not that will help us leave…"

"Ah…maybe a few of these books will help you…" He gestured towards the stack of books on the table.

I walked over curiously and picked up the top book to flip it over and have a look. "These aren't library books…" I stated and he chuckled.

"No, you're right, they're not. They're from my own personal collection. I don't let many people borrow them, including teachers."

"Then I am honored sir."

He smiled and stood up, stretching. "Well, I am going to turn in for the night. Shall I see you at breakfast tomorrow?"

"…You should. I'm sorry I missed dinner."

"That's quite alright. Don't worry about it. Well, try not to stay up too late." He said with a wink. "Good night Zexion," and left the room.

I began going through the books he'd leant me. Most of them were on the laws and rules of magic. I frowned. Did Dumbledore know why we weren't able to leave? If so, I'd figure it out eventually.

I got ready for bed and grabbed a book off the top of the stack before slipping under the covers and turning over to begin reading.

Next thing I knew it was 5:58 am. I sat up and yawned. Blinking, I glanced around and noticed the book with a bookmark on the bedside table and the lamp was switched off. SOMEONE had been in while I was asleep. I could smell that. The question was who?

I shrugged after a few moments and got up to get dressed. Having a shower, I slipped my coat on, fixed up my hair, made my bed and glanced at the time. It read 6:30. Breakfast didn't start till 7:30 at the earliest. I picked up my book again and settled on my bed to read.

An hour later, a knock at the door brought me out of my research. I got up with the book in hand and opened the door.

Xigbar and Demyx were standing there grinning at me. "Hi Zexy!" Demyx chirped. I turned my attention to Xigbar instead.

"Hey little dude! We thought you might miss a meal again so we came to get you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Right… give me a sec" I stepped back into my room, placed the book on my bedside table and pulled my boots on before stepping out and locking it.

Xigbar blinked before shrugging. "Whatever… Let's go."

They began walking down the corridor and I picked up a conversation with Demyx, Xigbar jumping in every now and again to comment on something.

We reached the great hall and entered it. I noticed a few students here and some of the early rising teachers. Sitting down, I served up some food for myself and began eating. Demyx raised an eyebrow. "That amount of food doesn't exactly look like you've been starving for about 24 hours."

"That's because I haven't." I commented and took a sip of pumpkin juice.

Xigbar chuckled and Demyx just looked confused. "Then when…?"

"I ate last night. After everyone was in bed or going to bed."

"Oh…"

I laughed. I couldn't help it. Demyx just gave me a dirty look. "Demyx, I do know how to take care of myself, even though it might not look like it sometimes."

"…You sure about that little dude? I remember a time when you nearly worked yourself to death before we-"

"Shut up Xigbar!" I snarled and promptly opted to ignore him.

"See, nothing's changed." I heard him say and rolled my eyes skywards. I quickly started eating again and finished within about 10 minutes. Demyx and Xigbar just blinked as I got up. "That was quick…" Xigbar commented as I ignored him and left. "Ah, his usual PMS state." A sigh. "I thought we'd seen the last of that a while ago. He was actually becoming civil. Demyx my dear, if you ever act like that I'll disown you." I bit the inside of my cheek and began thinking of all the nasty things I could do to him or make him see. Maybe I'd make him see talking elephants. He hates the colour pink… Maybe PINK talking elephants…? Yeah…that would work.

Before I realized it I was back at my room and unlocked the door. No one had been in here by the feel of the lock. I walked in and locked the door behind me. Maybe I would find out who came in. I picked up my book and sat down to read again.

A few hours later and I was onto the next book, I felt something appear in the room and there was a squeak. Looking up sharply, I blinked as I recognized the elf from yesterday. "Meyly is sorry master!!" it squeaked and began bowing rapidly. "Please forgive me! I did not think that there was anyone in here!"

"It's fine…" I muttered and stared at him curiously. How the hell did he just appear like that? "Do what you need to."

Meyly stopped and blinked. "Um…master?"

I sighed. "Yes?"

"May I ask you a question?" Meyly scuffed his foot on the floor.

I nodded and tilted my head curiously. "Only if you answer one of mine."

The elf's eyes widened excitedly and began almost hopping up and down. "Um…What is your name?"

I merely raised an eyebrow. "Zexion. My turn…what are you?"

Meyly's eyes opened wide. "Why I am a house elf sir!! Who has no heard of a house elf?"

"Obviously me." I commented dryly. "Anything else you wanted to ask?"

"Yes…but I'm afraid it is rude…"

"…Just say it…" I sighed and placed the book to the side and motioned for Meyly to sit on the bed with me.

He ignored the motion and shifted on the spot. "Um…where is master Zexion…from?"

I laughed. "You call that rude? I thought you were going to ask about why my hair is like this."

Meyly blinked and tilted his head curiously. "But…It is a master's business what he does and is. It is not our place to know."

I tilted my head slightly now, curiosity in my face. "Then why do you ask?"

"Meyly's curiosity gets the better him sometimes…" he muttered and I laughed.

"Meyly, come sit down. I think we're going to be here for a while." I motioned towards the other end of the bed.

Meyly's eyes widened and he slowly walked forward to the bed. "Is master sure?"

"I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't."

Meyly climbed up onto the bed and sat facing me cross legged. "Now…about your question. I'm from another world. Not this world. That is why my magic is so different from yours."

I chuckled at Meyly's wide eyed look. "Are the other master's I've seen you with from the same world?"

"Yes, they are."

"How did they get here?!"

"The same way I did. Through a dark portal."

"Dark…portal?"

I nodded. "They are what allows us to travel between worlds and different places. They're quite handy at times."

"Why don't you use them to leave? I heard something about you not being able to…leave…but I did not find out much more than that."

"Well…the problem is that we can portal into this world…but we cannot leave. I do not know why. That is why I am here, to try and find out why."

"Oh…"

"Any more questions?"

"Uh…yes? What magic does master Zexion use?"

"I have the power of illusion. My Lexicon is my weapon."

"…Lexicon?"

"My book." Just to make a point, I pulled it out and made it hover.

Meyly stared at it wide eyed. I tilted my head to the side and caused the illusion of flowers to start falling down around the walls. Meyly squeaked and jumped up, shocked. He immediately began gathering up the flowers around him. "I'll clean them up!!" he squeaked and I dispelled the illusion. All the flowers disappeared. I dismissed my Lexicon.

The elf just stared around him before shifting his gaze back to me. I smirked. "Master…Zexion? Was that…your power?"

I nodded. "Right…anymore questions?" He shook his head. "My turn then. How did you appear like that? I thought it was impossible to disappear and reappear somewhere else inside school grounds."

"Oh! That barrier was set for normal wizards and witches!! You see, a house elf's magic is different to a masters magic. We aren't limited the way normal masters are. We don't need a wand to cast a spell."

"Oh…that's why…no wonder. Did anyone come in here last night?"

"Um…yes…I believe so. We do rounds after lights out to check on people. Master was asleep on a book with the light on I believe."

I nodded. "I was. I normally wake up like that." I blinked and turned to the side as a dusk appeared. Meyly squeaked and hid behind the bed. "Report." I commanded and it flounced over and dropped a note. I picked it up and stared as it disappeared. "What…?" I tried to open a portal. It still didn't work. Walking over to where the duck appeared, I tried there too and didn't manage. "Why…?" Opening the letter, I noticed it was from Xemnas. I'd read it later. I frowned and placed it on the table. Why was the dusk able to do that and not me? Placing a hand on my chin, I began thinking. A cough behind me alerted me to the fact that Meyly was still here.

"Master Zexion?"

"Sorry Meyly. Do you mind if I leave you now? I have something I need to investigate. I'll be out on the grounds if you need me." I picked up the letter and quickly left to find Xigbar. Smelling him out wasn't difficult. He was out on an old pitch. A Quidditch pitch if I believed by the way it was built and set up. Hurrying over to him, he was teaching a class. Aim and focus by the look of it.

"Yo! Zex, what's up?"

"I just got a message from Xemnas…"

His face darkened. "What does it say?"

My face went red. "I actually don't know, I didn't open it."

He raised an eyebrow. "You…didn't open it? Wow…I think that's a first…"

"That's not why I'm here in any case. The dusk that delivered the letter to me disappeared again afterwards."

Xigbar's eyes went wide. "What? That's impossible! How is it that it can do what we've been trying to do?!"

I nodded "I honestly don't know. But watch." I summoned a dusk. The other students began murmuring as it appeared and a few stepped backwards. I quickly dismissed it again and it disappeared like normal, back to where it came from. Xigbar's eyes widened to enormous proportions. "How…?"

I shook my head. "I don't know…but what I do know is that we still can't leave."

Xigbar sighed and rubbed his head. "Well…you'd better answer that letter before he gets the shits and comes after us himself. Then we'd be in deep trouble. Or worse, sends Saix." I shuddered and hurried away. Xigbar quickly got back to teaching. Rushed back to my room and opened the letter. It was short for him. Only a few sentences.

VI,

I expect an answer within the hour on your progress with how you plan to get the other members out of there.

I hope to talk to you soon.

The Superior.

I sighed and lay down on my bed before trying to project myself into his office. I frowned. Nothing happened. Frowning, I thought of a random member here and tried to project myself to them. I appeared in front of Marluxia and Demyx.

"Wha-?" Demyx began as I frowned thoughtfully and disappeared again. Waking up in my room again, I sat up. Looks like I'd have to write a report the normal way. Pulling out a quill and bottle of ink, I raised an eyebrow and began writing on a piece of parchment.

Xemnas, I'm sorry that I cannot visit you with my new ability. For some reason it isn't working. I do not know the reason why.

The Dusks have the ability to appear and disappear in this world. I do not know the reason for this either. I will need to look more into the reason as to why.

I frowned and paused. If I could project myself on this world, maybe I could portal through this world… "Its worth a try." I sighed and tried to open a portal that would appear on the opposite side of the room. My eyes widened in shock as it worked. "What the…?" stepping through it, I appeared on the opposite side of the room. I quickly sat down. "Why…?" Shaking my head, I leaned back and thought.

I got back to my letter and put the rest of my progress into it. Not including my latest discovery. Sending it off with a dusk, I sat in a chair and tried to find Dumbledore. He was in his office. I appeared in there and he glanced up, frowning.

"Zexion?"

"Albus, may I speak to you? I have some things I need to ask you…"

"Of course! Come up when you're ready."

"I'll be there in a few seconds."

"Wh-"

I disappeared and quickly portaled into his office. Dumbledore blinked three times before asking, "I thought you couldn't open portals?"

"I thought I couldn't either." I muttered and sat down in a chair. "I can't leave this world but I can portal anywhere in it. I can't project myself beyond this world either. Its odd."

Dumbledore sat down behind his desk and frowned. "That is odd…I wonder why…"

"Well…I'm not complaining." I sighed and glanced down.

"Still…that's very odd…"

"I agree. And the strangest thing is that our dusks can appear and disappear from this world."

"Very odd…"

"AND we use the same way to travel."

"Maybe…maybe the world wants you to stay…"

"…the world?" I deadpanned and he raised his head.

"Yeah, why not? Maybe its destiny."

"Destiny…" I thought it over. I did make sense in a way. The worlds were alive, so of course this one had to be as well. "I guess… I'm going to go and talk to Vexen. He might come up with a theory…although it'll most likely be scientific."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Well, its better than nothing." I nodded and left, portaling down to the dungeons.

Vexen looked up in shock as I made my grand entrance. "How did…?"

I shrugged. "I figured it out only a few minutes ago myself."

"Can you leave?"

I shook my head. "No, but Dumbledore and I have come up with a few theories."

"Such as?"

"The world wants us to stay."

Vexen just stared at me with a raised eyebrow. "What?"

"The world wants us to stay." I repeated and he lifted his eyes skyward.

"Zexion…"

"Listen. Our dusks can leave but we can't. What does that say? I can't even project myself into the Superior's office but I can around here. Plus the worlds are alive. This one more than most because of the advanced magic usage. You have a better idea?"

"No…and I never said it was stupid…"

I just blinked at him and folded my arms. "and?"

"I was going to say that it sounded crazy but you might just be right."

That startled me. "huh?"

There was a deep breath. "I said…"

"I know what you said! I just can't believe you'd believe me."

"Well…we don't exactly have any other theories at the moment, so that naturally seems to be the most logical one."

I nodded. "I'm going to go see Xigbar and Marluxia. They should at least know about the use of our portals."

"Alright. Keep it from Axel, Roxas and Demyx if you can. Especially Axel. He'll use it like there's no tomorrow. The sensors here are bound to pick it up and we'll have even more reporters to worry about."

I nodded. "Alright. I think they should know though. I'll tell Marluxia first because he's always running errands for Professor Sprout."

Vexen nodded. "Yeah…he's exhausted after a busy day."

I nodded my goodbye and portaled out to the greenhouse. There was no one inside. I sighed. "Well…I may as well tell them all tonight."

Walking outside, I caught sight of something shiny in the bushes. My curiosity aroused, I walked over and picked it up. It was a piece of aluminum foil. I frowned. Now why would there be a piece of aluminum foil out here?

I was thinking on this problem so hard that I didn't notice the large shadow appear behind me or the approaching very large creature. It wasn't till the shadow was completely over me that I was alerted to its presence.

I spun around with wide eyes.

That was the last thing I saw before there was darkness.